The Theology of Liturgy

This substantial paper, one in the series of Centenary Lectures, finds current books too cult-centred and seeks sources to lead to a theology of liturgy. The primacy of Christ from the beginning is noted, not just over the church but the whole world; the paper ranges through the Scriptural witness and early controversies in defence of this central truth. There is a digression on inter-faith worship. Doctrine or dogma determines worship, but there must be an inter-relationship. The shape of worship attests to the primacy of the Word, which is Christ. Secular pressures on the church. The paper discusses the place of Tradition, Ecclesiology and Christology for fashioning a theology of worship. The paper is rich in quotation and allusion.